Heavy gunfire was heard in several neighbourhoods of the capital throughout the night, notably in the city centre near the presidential palace, but also in the airport area where there is a major military base. The post Niger Junta ‘Gradually Regaining Control’ After Attempted Rebel Attack appeared first on Channels Television .
Niger’s military on Saturday said it was “gradually regaining control” after mutineers started holding soldiers hostage at a military base next to the capital’s airport and fired shots.
In a statement read out on public television and signed by Defence Minister General Salifou Mody, the authorities called on the public to “remain calm and freely go about their business”.
Heavy gunfire was heard in several areas of Niamey throughout the night, particularly around the presidential palace and the international airport, where there is also a key airbase.
READ ALSO: Clashes In Niamey As ‘Insurgents Within Armed Forces’ Attempt To Storm Presidential Palace
The state television signal was cut for just over an hour before being restored at about 10:00 am (0900 GMT).
Niger has been ruled for three years by a military junta that has struggled to contain jihadist violence, which has blighted the West African country for around a decade.
AFP
The post Niger Junta ‘Gradually Regaining Control’ After Attempted Rebel Attack appeared first on Channels Television.
